Myths About Online Learning

As with most stereotypes, the myths regarding online students and their degrees are generally a bunch of nonsense.

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Elizabeth Hoyt

Elizabeth Hoyt is the editor of MonsterCollege as well as a contributing writer and social media manager.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, where she majored in Journalism, specializing in Apparel and Textile Design.

Her experience in the communications field spans both print and online publications, including newspaper and magazine writing as well as work within marketing, public relations and the non-profit sector.

In her spare time, Elizabeth can usually be found in Chicago’s local vintage markets scoping out rare finds, vegetarian restaurants, volunteering at local animal shelters or elbows deep in creative projects within her Lincoln Park apartment.

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We’re all aware of the negative stereotypes that exist about online universities. Luckily, our culture is catching up and becoming increasingly aware that most of the “information” they’ve heard about online students is a bunch of nonsense.

Check out some of the outlined myths below, complete with proof of why it’s a myth, many which you’ve likely heard around town.

According to Edudemic, these are the top five stereotypes regarding online learners in today’s culture:

1. Online students aren’t smart enough for a “normal” university

Proof this is a myth:

- Students in classrooms generally test in the 50th percentile, while online students generally test in the 59th percentile

- 30% of college students take one or more online courses

2. An online degree isn’t a “real” degree

Proof this is a myth:

- While an online degree can take less time, hard work is still necessary too

- 87% of hiring managers believe online degrees are just as respected and valued as traditional degrees

- 79% of hiring managers have hired an applicant with an online degree within the past year

3. Online degrees are usually obtained in bizarre fields

Proof this is a myth:

- Four out of the five most popular degrees for online learners are also in the top five degrees for traditional students

4. Online students are lazy

Proof this is a myth:

- 55% of traditional students skip class because they can’t get out of bed

- Online learners are self-motivated to succeed

- A study found that online students spent 30 minutes more work on coursework outside of class per week, even though their courses took two hours less to complete

5. Online students don’t attend traditional college because they’re antisocial

Proof this is a myth:

-97% of online classes have a student/faculty ratio of 25:1 or better

- Many online students have full-time jobs or families

- Many online students chose that route simply because it’s 36%-57% less expensive than traditional college